What do roof lanterns involve?
Our roof lanterns service in Berkshire covers hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. We survey every job before fixing the price.
Period cottages and conservation-area streets are common in the South East, so slim conservation rooflights are often the right choice. Orangery-style extensions with lanterns are popular across the South East, and solar-control glass makes a big difference on south-facing gardens.
Towns in Berkshire
What you can choose
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Opening vents with electric control
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Light from every angle across the day
- Slim aluminium bars, more glass
Planning and building rules in England
English householder permitted development (Class C) normally covers rooflights that stand no more than 0.15 m proud of the roof plane and stay below the highest part of the roof. Listed buildings need listed building consent, flats have no householder permitted development rights, and an Article 4 direction can remove the rights in some conservation areas.
Under Approved Document L, a rooflight added to an English home must achieve at least 2.2 W/m²K (horizontal plane), and a roof window 1.4 W/m²K or Window Energy Rating Band B. The Future Homes and Buildings Standards, published in March 2026, apply from 24 March 2027 and keep the 2.2 W/m²K limit for rooflights.
What do roof lanterns cost in Berkshire?
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Berkshire, as elsewhere, making good inside and access equipment are the main variables.
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Large or bespoke aluminium lantern | £5,995 – £10,795 | £4,995 – £8,995 |
| Mid-size aluminium lantern (2 × 3 m) Typical | £3,955 – £5,995 | £3,295 – £4,995 |
| Small lantern (1 × 2 m) | £2,995 – £3,955 | £2,495 – £3,295 |
How the job runs
- Tell us about the roof. Send the postcode, rough sizes and a photo or two through the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool.
- Free survey. For new installations a surveyor measures the opening, checks the roof build-up and talks through glass and options.
- Fixed written quote. You get the product, the work and the price in writing. Nothing is ordered or paid for until you agree.
- Fitting and handover. We fit, seal and make good, then hand over product data, warranties and any certificate paperwork.
Roof lanterns in nearby areas
Common questions
Roof lantern or flat rooflight?
A lantern adds height and sky from all sides; a flat rooflight is lower-profile and cleaner from outside. Our guide compares them in detail.
Do roof lanterns get hot?
They can in summer if clear glass is used on a south-facing roof. Solar-control glass and an opening vent make a big difference.
Can a lantern go on an existing extension?
Yes, if the flat roof structure can be opened up and trimmed. We check joists and the roof build-up at survey.
How big can a lantern be?
Aluminium systems go to around three by six metres in standard ranges; larger sizes are made to order.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Berkshire?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
